Girls’ Education in Mali: PASCOFI Project Concludes After Five Years of Impact

Bamako, April 13, 2026 - The Project to Support Girls’ Education in Mali (PASCOFI), a major initiative aimed at reducing gender disparities in schooling and improving access to quality education in conflict-affected areas, has officially concluded after five years of implementation. The closing workshop was opened on Monday in Bamako at the Azalaï Salam Hotel under the chairmanship of the National Director of Basic Education, Issoufi Arbert Bédari Touré. Launched in 2021, PASCOFI was designed to strengthen girls’ access to education and improve learning conditions in vulnerable regions, particularly in Ségou, Mopti, and Bandiagara, areas significantly affected by insecurity and displacement. The project was initiated by World University Service Canada (WUSC) and funded by Global Affairs Canada, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting inclusive education and resilience in fragile contexts. Over its five-year period, PASCOFI adopted a conflict-sensitive and context-adapted approach to promote equal access to education for children aged 7 to 12. It focused on strengthening both teaching capacity and school infrastructure, while supporting community engagement around girls’ schooling. According to implementation data, the project reached 200 public schools and trained 750 teachers. In total, it contributed to the education of approximately 15,200 girls and 11,000 boys, helping to reduce disparities in learning outcomes and school participation. Officials highlighted that the initiative played a key role in advancing the empowerment of girls through education, while reinforcing their right to learn under safe and equitable conditions. As the project concludes, stakeholders emphasized the importance of sustaining its achievements and integrating its lessons into national education policies to ensure long-term impact.